Dogs
Owning a dog is a big commitment. A dog’s life span can be 15 years or more so it is important to understand your responsibilities before deciding to become a pet owner. Watch the video above to learn what you're in for before you buy/adopt a dog.
Microchipping is compulsory for all dogs - even working dogs.
Responsibilities of a pet owner are listed below.
You legally must:
- Desex all dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 or risk a fine
- Microchip your dog and cat by the age of 12 weeks, or within 28 days of acquiring the animal or risk a fine
- Every dog over the age of 3 months MUST be registered
- Keep your dog on a lead no longer than 2 metres in length
It’s a really good idea to:
- Socialise your dog with other pets and people
- Think about some obedience training courses
- Check your property over for any gaps in fences or ways of escape
- Understand what makes your dog nervous in public and try to avoid these situations
Find out everything you need to know about your responsibilities here and head over to the Dog and Cat Management Board website for more information.
Pay my dog registration now
All domestic pet registrations are handled by DACO (Dogs and Cats Online) including online payments. You must renew your registration by 31 August each year. To register a new dog you will need to provide:
- Your identification
- Your concession card (for a reduction in registration costs)
- Any forms related to micro-chipping, de-sexing and training (for a reduction in registration costs)
These forms can be uploaded to the DACO website or you may present your documents in person to Council to process at the Wakefield Regional Council Civic Offices located on Scotland Place, Balaklava from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
For more information on dog limits and specifications for the Wakefield Regional Council district, please view the Council By-Law. If for any reason you wish to apply for an exemption for the By-Law, you will need to submit a By-Law Exemption Form to the Council office.
You can also view our Animal Management Plan 2017-2022(216 kb) which aims to promote responsible ownership of dogs and cats, animal welfare and the benefits of animal companionship.
ChipBlitz is a program run by Lost Pets of South Australia. They offer affordable microchipping for just $10 each pet.
There is estimated to be 4.2million dogs in Australia, that’s 19 dogs for every 100 people.
The simple fact is a microchipped pet has a better chance of getting home quicker than one that isn’t. A pet that is able to be returned directly to their owner also decreases the enormous burden on our shelters holding lost pets and reduces the cost to local councils. illion in Australia. That’s 15 cats for every 100 people! That’s a lot of cats and dogs!
The program is a 'pop-up' store service and frequents community spaces and council areas.
Find out if there is one coming to a place near you by going to ChipBlitz website.
Dogs make wonderful pets and companions for people of all ages. But what do you do if your dog is becoming a nuisance to your neighbours due to excessive barking?
Dog barking is one of the most commonly reported problems to Council. Barking is a perfectly natural and common behavior in dogs. However, excessive, prolonged or repetitive barking is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Complete a barking dog form here:
As a dog owner you are responsible for making sure your dog’s barking does not become a problem. It is your responsibility to take control of the well-being of your dog, including its physical and mental well-being.
For more information about barking dogs click here to view the Good Dog SA Barking Information Sheet. For more information about owning a dog, visit the Dog and Cat Management Board website on http://www.dogandcatboard.com.au/
The purpose of this permit is to ensure adequate sanitation is provided and a nuisance of any kind
does not occur, both of which may affect neighbouring properties.